Texans support Abbott’s border river barrier, but will it succeed?

EAGLE PASS, Texas — Locals Optimistic for First-Ever Water Border Barrier

Residents of Eagle Pass, Texas, are eagerly anticipating the installation of the state’s first-ever water border barrier in the coming weeks. However, there are concerns that this measure may be too little, too late.

In an effort to enhance border security, Governor Greg Abbott’s administration plans to set up a 1,000-foot-long strand of large red buoys in the center of the Rio Grande. This maritime version of a wall will serve as an additional layer of protection and deter immigrants from crossing in certain areas. Those who do cross illegally will be funneled to other parts of the river where concertina wire has been installed by the National Guard. The barrier is expected to make its debut after the Fourth of July.

Local Perspectives

Alison Anderson, a mother and resident of nearby Del Rio, expressed her concerns about the barrier. She worries that it may simply shift the traffic of smugglers to other paths closer to her home. Anderson believes that covering only 1,000 feet will not effectively stop or decrease the number of crossings. She appreciates the governor’s efforts but is worried about the potential consequences for her family.

On the other hand, George Antuna, chairman of the Hispanic Republicans of Texas PAC and former Eagle Pass city manager, expressed gratitude towards Governor Abbott for his visits and attention to small communities like Eagle Pass. He believes that the governor is genuinely trying to protect the borders and blames the Biden administration for not prioritizing border security.

Investment in Border Security

Since President Joe Biden took office in 2021, Governor Abbott has invested several billion dollars in resources and personnel along the state’s 1,250-mile shared border with Mexico. The forthcoming installation of “new marine floating barriers” is part of these efforts. The project, expected to cost $1 million, aims to proactively prevent illegal crossings between ports of entry by making it more difficult to cross.

Col. Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, emphasized that the buoys will be placed in the most dangerous areas of the river to prevent injuries and drownings. The goal is to deter people from taking unnecessary risks and to apprehend them at the ports of entry.

Concerns and Considerations

While the buoy system is seen as a potential deterrent, there are concerns about its impact on emergency response operations. Chief Manuel Mello III of the Eagle Pass Fire Department worries that the barrier may hinder rescue and recovery operations. The fire department has experienced a significant increase in drowning victims since the surge in border crossings in 2021.

The buoys will be positioned 4 feet above the water and have netting on their undersides. Tests have shown that it would require great effort to swim under, climb over, or go between the buoys. The aim is to slow down and deter as many people as possible before they reach the multi-layered razor wire and the full force of the National Guard and DPS officers at the border.

The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission, responsible for enforcing U.S.-Mexico water treaties, was not consulted or warned about the buoys before the governor’s announcement. The commission is currently investigating any potential impact on water agreements.

Overall, the installation of the water border barrier is seen as a significant step towards enhancing border security in Eagle Pass. While there are concerns and considerations, the local community remains hopeful that this measure will effectively deter illegal crossings and protect their homes and families.